The phrase "went out like a light" is commonly used to describe someone who falls asleep very quickly. The IPA phonetic transcription for this phrase is /wɛnt aʊt laɪk ə laɪt/. The "w" sound is pronounced like the "wh" sound in "what," while the "e" sound is pronounced like the "a" in "cat." The "aʊ" sound is a combination of "a" and "o," while the "ɪ" sound is like the "i" in "bit." The final "t" is pronounced with a slight puff of air (aspirated).
The idiomatic expression "went out like a light" refers to the act of quickly and suddenly falling asleep or losing consciousness. It implies a swift and effortless transition from an awake or conscious state to a state of deep sleep or unconsciousness. This phrase often emphasizes the ease or speed with which someone enters a state of sleep or unconsciousness, implying that they fell asleep almost immediately, resembling the quick extinguishing of a light bulb.
The figurative aspect of this expression compares the cessation of wakefulness to the abrupt moment when an electric light is turned off, resulting in instant darkness. The phrase can be applied to various situations, such as after physical or mental exhaustion, or after consuming a sleep-inducing substance. For instance, if someone says, "After studying all night for exams, she went out like a light as soon as her head hit the pillow," it means that the person fell asleep instantly due to mental fatigue. Similarly, if someone had a tiring day at work, they might say, "I came home and went out like a light, not even realizing I had fallen asleep."
Overall, "went out like a light" signifies a sudden and swift transition from wakefulness to sleep or unconsciousness, emphasizing the ease or quickness of the process.